Portland Thunder beat Los Angeles KISS to improve chances at playoffs

Bryce Peila's fumble recovery touchdown early in the fourth quarter gave the Portland Thunder a lead that held the rest of the game, as they defeated Los Angeles 44-31 at the Moda Center, opening up a two-game lead over the KISS for the final playoff spot in the National Conference.

It was Portland's first win over Los Angeles following two previous losses to the AFL's other expansion franchise.

"If you run to the ball, you can make anything happen," said Peila, who also had an interception. "To get a chance at the playoffs is huge."

Varmah Sonie had two interceptions for Portland in the first seven minutes of the game, returning his first 42 yards to the Los Angeles four. Sonie now has nine interceptions on the season, tying him for the team lead with Eric Crocker.

"Our guys were just so physical," head coach Matthew Sauk said. "Over time our defense has come together, and realized that they can be really good. If the offense struggles, they can clean up the mess."

Backup quarterback Darron Thomas opened the scoring with a 2-yard run following Sonie's first interception. It was the eighth rushing touchdown of the season for Thomas, who has found success in goal-line situations after struggling as the starter early in the season.

Jamar Howard had 107 receiving yards in the first half, including an 11-yard touchdown catch from Kyle Rowley midway through the second quarter that put Portland up 13-0. Howard finished the game with 10 catches for 126 yards.

Douglas McNeil III had nine catches for 94 yards and three touchdowns for the Thunder, who improve to 5-11.

Former Portland receiver Samara Goodson gave Los Angeles their first lead of the game late in the first half when he caught a 10-yard pass from Garcia. Goodson led Los Angeles with six receptions for 75 yards.

Former Portland State kicker Zach Ramirez's 29-yard field goal put Portland ahead 23-21 at the end of the first half.

Aaron Garcia started at quarterback for Los Angeles. Garcia, 43, the AFL's all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, completed 14 of 34 passes for 196 yards, with four touchdowns and four interceptions.

Rowley went 25 of 36 for 258 yards, throwing four touchdowns and no interceptions.

Los Angeles, which held to just 10 points in the second half, drops to 3-13. Both teams have two games remaining in the regular season.

"Everybody on this team has faced true adversity. There's many stories, and that's one thing that I appreciate about this team," said Donte Paige-Moss, the league's rookie leader in sacks. "We have a lot of guys who want this just as bad as I do."